Uintas Beginner Backpacking
Learn how to backpack | Explore high alpine lakes | Experience mountain solitude
Join us on an unforgettable beginner backpacking tour of the Uinta Mountains, one of the most unique mountain ranges in the U.S. Known for its east-west orientation, the Uintas offer stunning landscapes, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife, all set against a backdrop of rugged peaks. Sleep under the stars, learn how to pack all of your gear, and discover the simplicity that comes from backpacking.
Questions? Check out our FAQ below
Uintas Beginner Backpacking
Aug 14—16, 2026
3 days. 2 nights.
$1395
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Aug 14—16, 2026
We begin our time together with an in person backpacking 101 evening workshop. This will be held at Evo Hotel Lobby at 530pm the night prior to hitting the trail.
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Originates from: Salt Lake City, UT
Location of trip: Uinta National Forest
Accommodations: Tent Camping
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$1395
Deposit: $400
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Style: Backpacking
Level of difficulty: 3/5
We will be hiking on established dirt trails with our full backpacks on. This adventure occurs at elevations over 10,000 feet. We will hike up to 5.5 mi each day with our packs on. The total mileage hiked is approximately 14 miles.
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Learn from a professional guide how to properly pack your backpack
Learn how to read a topographic map & how to select your campsite in the backcountry
Delicious backcountry meals prepared by your guides
Peak season for alpine wildflower viewing!
Be immersed in the conifer forests of the Rocky Mountains
Private round-trip transportation to Uintas
Travel on Utah’s famous “Highline Trail”
Experience pristine night skies
Custom OM Merch
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There is a four person minimum requirement for this trip
This trip starts/ends in Salt Lake City, UT. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel on Day 1 of the trip.
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests.
We make the final determination for these trips 4-5 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
This is an all gendered tour. All humans are welcome and accommodations will be co-ed. This is a great couples or besties trip!
Need a Different Date?
Experiential Adventure & Immersive Nature
On the Uinta Backpacking Tour, our professional guides will teach you everything you need to know to confidently navigate the trails and enjoy the wilderness. This experience is designed to be immersive; where you'll not only learn but also apply these skills in real-time as you explore the stunning landscapes of the Uinta Mountains. Each step of the journey will be a blend of learning and connection to nature.
Trip Details
Aug 14-16, 2026
Join a community of outdoor enthusiasts to backpack, learn wilderness skills, and camp in the High Uinta Wilderness.
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Backpacking 101 class the evening prior to departure in SLC
SLC Hotel pick up day 1
Airport transfer final day
All meals, snacks, and post-hike fizzy drinks
Permits for hiking
Custom OM swag
Small group experience
Professional wilderness guides who are certified first responders and knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna
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70L backpacks
Sleeping bag
Inflatable sleeping mat
Tent
Group kitchen
Toilet kits
First Aid Kit
Emergency Communication Device
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
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Day 0: Meet you guide at 5p, at Evo Hotel Lobby for a one-hour Backpacking 101 class, let’s get stoked!
Day 1: Our adventure begins with your guide picking you up at your hotel. A scenic hour drive into the Uintas follows! After a final pack check at the trailhead we hike through the pine forest 5.3 miles to our lakeside camp. Get your cozies on, and mingle with your fellow travelers as dinner in prepared.
Meals Provided: L, D
Day 2: Rise early to enjoy a warm beverage overlooking the mountains. After pack up, we continue on our journey for 4 miles, stopping along the way for photos, food, and time to enjoy the fresh air. Tonight, we camp at another pristine alpine lake. Make sure to check out the stars from your tent tonight!
Meals Provided: B, L, D
Day 3: After a lovely camp breakfast prepared by your guide, we pack our backpacks one final time. We descend the final 5 miles back to the trailhead, completing our loop of the High Uinta Wilderness. On our way to back SLC, we will stop and enjoy a group lunch out and celebrate our accomplishment.
Meals Provided: B, L
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Clothing & personal toiletries
Water bottles or bladder
Guide Gratuity (10-20% of trip cost suggested)
Trip Insurance—highly suggested
Learn to Backpack in the High Uinta Wilderness
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We provide you with all the gear and permits necessary. All you need to do is show up.
No need to cobble together boil in a bag meals for this trip; your professional wilderness guide will be preparing gourmet backpacking meals to eat under the stars.
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On the trail in the Uinta Mountains, we will teach you essential backpacking skills such as navigating rugged terrain, reading maps, and setting up camp in the wilderness.
You'll gain hands-on experience with proper gear use, map reading, and Leave No Trace principles.
We teach our wilderness skills with the kinesthetic learner in mind
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Our backpacking trips prioritize inclusion by creating an environment where everyone, regardless of experience level or background, feels welcome and supported.
Through a focus on group safety and collaboration, we foster a sense of community, ensuring that each participant builds meaningful connections while navigating the trails together.
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You will learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Uinta Mountains; your guides will share interpretive facts surrounding the traditions of the Ute tribe who have called this land home for thousands of years.
Guests will learn how indigenous communities traditionally lived in harmony with the land, using sustainable practices that preserved the natural environment for future generations
We’ll discuss the ongoing stewardship efforts in the region, including conservation initiatives, wildlife protection, and responsible resource management
Terms & Conditions:
A non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to secure your space. Full payment is required 90 days before the departure date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
91+ days prior to trip start date: Full refund, less deposit
61–90 days prior to trip start date: 25% of total trip cost refundable
60 days or fewer prior to trip start date: Trip cost is non-refundable
We highly suggest purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment
COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols
High touch, communal surfaces will be sanitized frequently
Any dishes used will be cleaned with hot water, soap, and bleach
All gear will be cleaned after each trip in accordance with current CDC recommendations
Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be available throughout the trip
Guide prepared meals will follow proper food handler's rules and regulations
Guests are asked to stay home if they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms
What our clients are saying
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Adam Z
As a complete beginner to backpacking, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Uintas Beginner Backpacking tour, but it exceeded all my expectations. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and patient, teaching me how to pack my gear and navigating the terrain. I never felt rushed or out of my depth; they made sure I understood each step, and by the end of the trip, I felt confident in my abilities.
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Cat M
I’ve always been a city girl, so the idea of backpacking in the mountains felt a bit daunting at first, but I’m so glad I took the plunge! I was surprised at how empowering it felt to learn new skills and navigate the wilderness, and the group was so welcoming and fun to be around.
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Kami & TJ
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience in the Uinta Wilderness. The beauty of the mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows were just awesome. Our guide had a nice balance of teaching us skills, and also allowing us to just be present to this striking natural area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I meet my guide?
This trip originates in Salt Lake City, UT. Please make arrangements to fly in and out of SLC. Your guide will pick you up the morning of Day 1 at your hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.
Which hotel should I stay in Salt Lake the night before our trip?
We can suggest our favorites: Little America, Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, and Evo Hotel.
Tell me more about the Backpacking 101 class that is included
Your guide will be hosting a complimentary backpacking 101 class. This one hour course, will be held in the lobby area of Evo Hotel at 5p, the evening prior to departure. Please make every effort to attend as we want to teach you all the skills needed for this tour.
What are the temps in the Uintas during our trip?
Please feel free to check the Uinta Mountain Weather.
I have never been backpacking, can I still attend?
Yes, however we highly suggest you strength train and do cardio with an incline and resistance. Your guides will help you pitch your tent, give you pro-tips for hiking, and will be available during the whole weekend. We aim for this to be a safe environment for learning and camaraderie.
Is this a co-ed event? Can I attend with a partner?
Yes this is a co-ed event. No matter how you identify, you are welcome. Feel free to sign up with your partner, friend, sibling, etc
What should I bring for hiking clothes?
We suggest packing a variety of layers (re: puffer, fleece layer, tights, knit hat, shorts, gloves). Layers can be shed as the day warms up. Poly-blends and wool are great for hiking as they wick sweat away from the body.
How many people are attending this trip?
Our guest list has 6 spaces. First come, first served.
How do I train for a backpacking trip?
You can strength train with free weights and do cardio with an incline. Go on hikes in your area, gradually adding weight to your pack and increasing mileage.
What time do you drop us off in Salt Lake at the end of the trip?
We aim to conclude all trips on our final day by between 2p-3p. We will drop you off where you need to be in SLC or at the airport, around this time frame.
I can no longer attend the hiking retreat, what is your cancellation policy?
91+ days prior to trip start date: Full refund, less deposit
61–90 days prior to trip start date: 25% of total trip cost refundable
60 days or fewer prior to trip start date: Trip cost is non-refundable
Should I purchase travel insurance?
We 100% encourage you to purchase travel insurance! Things happen, and we want to make sure your investment is protected.